The Effect of Relaxation Technique on Physical Activity of Hemodialysis Patients

Physical activity has an important role in the length of life of hemodialysis patients. Some complementary interventions such as relaxation technique might be effective on the level of physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Benson’s relaxation technique on physical activity of hemodialysis patients. It was a randomized controlled trial that was carried out in the hemodialysis units of Shiraz University of Medical sciences. Eighty six hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to Benson’s relaxation technique group (n =43) and control group (n=43). The technique was performed in experimenmtal group for 20 min, twice a day for 8 consecutive weeks. Physical activity was assessed by the "Daily Living Activity (ADL)" and "Instrumental Daily Living Activity (IADL)" scale in both groups at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. Data were analyzed with independent and dependent samples t–test, and chi–square using SPSS-PC (v.16). Before the intervention, the mean score of ADL in intervention and control groups was 12.53 (2.54) and 12.30 (2.78), respectively. However, at the 8th week of the intervention, the mean score of ADL in the intervention group was 13.42 (1.44) and in the control was 11.74 (3.45). The results of independent samples t–test showed a significant difference between ADL of the groups (t=2.83, P=0.006). In addition, the mean score of IADL at the beginning of study in intervention and control group was 14.36 (4.36) and 12.04 (6.01) and at 8th week of intervention, it was 15.62 (3.77) and 12.00 (5.77), respectively. A significant difference was observed between two groups regarding the IADL scale at the 8th week of the intervention (t=3.29, P=0.001). The findings suggest beneficial effects of Benson’s relaxation technique on the improvement of physical activity in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, teaching relaxation techniques could serve as a resource for improving the levels of physical activity.